Why Is My Dog’s Eye Red? Common Causes of Canine Eye Inflammation

You glance at your dog and notice that one eye suddenly looks red, irritated, or watery. Is it a little dust from the afternoon walk, or could something more serious be going on? Dog eye redness has many possible causes, ranging from mild irritation to conditions that need prompt treatment. At East Sacramento Veterinary Center in Sacramento, California, our team can examine your dog’s eyes, determine what’s causing the inflammation, and recommend appropriate care.

What Does an Inflamed Eye Look Like in a Dog?

Redness is often the first change pet owners notice, but eye inflammation can cause other symptoms, too. If your dog has an inflamed eye, you may see changes in the eye itself or in how your dog behaves.

Keep an eye out for signs such as:

• Red or swollen tissue around the eye
• Watery, mucus-like, or yellow-green discharge
• Frequent blinking or squinting
• Pawing or rubbing at the eye
• Sensitivity to light
• A cloudy or bluish appearance to the eye
• Keeping one eye partially or completely closed

Eye problems can be uncomfortable, and dogs that rub or paw at an irritated eye may make the problem worse. Because different eye conditions can look very similar at home, an examination is often the best way to determine what’s wrong.

What Are Common Causes of Red Eyes in Dogs?

There isn’t a single explanation for a red eye. Some of the more common causes involve irritation or inflammation of the eye or surrounding tissues.

Possible causes include:

• Conjunctivitis: Inflammation of the tissue lining the eyelids and covering part of the eye can cause redness, swelling, and discharge.
• Allergies or irritants: Pollen, dust, smoke, shampoo, and other substances may irritate your dog’s eyes.
• Foreign material or injury: Dirt, plant material, scratches, and other injuries can cause sudden redness and discomfort.
• Dry eye: Inadequate tear production can leave the eye irritated, inflamed, and vulnerable to damage.
• Corneal ulcers: Damage to the clear surface of the eye can be painful and requires veterinary attention.
• Glaucoma or uveitis: Conditions affecting structures inside the eye can cause redness, pain, and potentially serious complications.

Eyelid or eyelash abnormalities can also irritate the eye’s surface. With so many possibilities, identifying the cause based on redness alone can be difficult.

When Does Dog Eye Redness Need Veterinary Care?

It’s a good idea to contact your veterinarian when redness persists, appears suddenly, or is accompanied by other eye changes. Prompt evaluation is especially important if your dog is squinting, holding the eye closed, pawing at it repeatedly, or showing signs of pain.

Changes in the eye’s appearance also deserve attention. Cloudiness, swelling, significant discharge, a visible injury or foreign object, or a pupil that looks different from the other one can indicate a problem that shouldn’t wait.

If your dog has experienced trauma to the eye or suddenly seems unable to see normally, seek veterinary care promptly.

How Will a Veterinarian Evaluate a Red Eye?

Your veterinarian will examine the eye and surrounding structures while considering your dog’s symptoms and health history. Depending on what they find, additional eye tests may be recommended to assess tear production, look for damage to the cornea, or measure pressure within the eye. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some dogs may need medicated eye drops or ointments, while other conditions require different treatment. 

Give Your Dog’s Eyes the Attention They Need

A red eye may turn out to be a minor irritation, but it’s difficult to know the cause just by looking at it. Having your dog examined can provide answers and help protect their comfort and vision.

If you’re concerned about redness, discharge, squinting, or another change in your dog’s eyes, call East Sacramento Veterinary Center at (916) 737-5670 to schedule a wellness visit.